“Without this, the new target of 85% cannot be fully realised and will become redundant.

“It’s disappointing to see that our state’s population growth targets have been revised down.

“There needs to be a concerted effort to reverse this trend, particularly noting that we are not only suffering from lower international migration figures, but also young South Australians continue to move interstate for opportunities.

“We need the State Government to be lobbying the Federal Government – particularly with the recent changes to the Senate – to reinstate South Australia’s regional status for migration.

“We are in a national and global competition for talent, which is why our population needs to be stronger and our job offerings to therefore be more abundant.

“That means sustainably increasing our population growth rate, providing young people with employment opportunities and more reasons to grow their businesses and families in South Australia.”

Background information

Property is South Australia’s largest private sector employer and biggest industry, accounting for 10.8% of the state’s economic activity (or $10.5 billion).

It builds prosperity by paying $4.4 billion in wages and salaries – one in six people draw their wage directly or indirectly from property – and one million South Australians have a stake in property through their super funds.

Property is the largest single industry contributor paying 56.6% of state taxes, local government rates, fees and charges.